This procedure uses a brief electrical shock to reset your heart's rhythm. Recovery is usually quick, but you need to rest immediately afterward.

What to Expect Immediately

  • Skin Redness: You may have redness on your chest (like a sunburn) where the patches were placed.
  • Chest Soreness: You may feel soreness in your chest wall for a few days.
  • Drowsiness: The medicine used to make you sleep during the procedure may leave you feeling groggy for the rest of the day.

CRITICAL: The 24-Hour Rule

Because you received a sedative, your reaction time is slowed. For 24 hours after the procedure:

  • DO NOT drive or operate machinery.
  • DO NOT make important decisions or sign legal papers.
  • Wait until the medicine wears off completely and you can think clearly.

Home Care Guidelines

Medicines

You may be prescribed Rate-control, Rhythm-control, or Blood thinners. Take them exactly as prescribed.

Warning: Do not take vitamins, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal products without asking your doctor first, as they can interact with your heart meds.

Exercise & Pulse

  • The "Talk Test": If you cannot talk while exercising, you are pushing too hard. Stop and rest.
  • Pulse Checks: Check your pulse regularly. If it feels uneven or fast, call your doctor.
  • Stop Signs: Sit down immediately if you feel short of breath, dizzy, or have chest pain.

When to Call for Help

Call 9-1-1 Immediately

Call if you lose consciousness (pass out). Also call for:

Heart Attack Symptoms:
  • Chest pain, pressure, or squeezing.
  • Pain spreading to the back, neck, jaw, or arm.
  • Nausea, sweating, or shortness of breath.
Stroke Symptoms:
  • Sudden numbness/weakness on one side of the body.
  • Sudden confusion or trouble speaking.
  • Sudden vision changes or severe headache.

Note: After calling 911, the operator may tell you to chew aspirin. Wait for an ambulance; do not drive yourself.

Call Your Doctor Now

  • You feel dizzy, lightheaded, or like you might faint.
  • You have a fast or irregular heartbeat.